The village and its local pub scooped individual accolades in the contest, which also saw success for Midgely and Hebden Bridge.

Judges were so impressed with Luddenden, which sealed a Gold award and runners up position in the villlage category, they handed it the Spring Floral award for the whole of Yorkshire.

The Lord Nelson Inn earned a Silver Gilt award in the pub and restaurant category, while landlady Debbie Collinge received the county-wide trophy for individual promotion of Yorkshire in Bloom.

“I am really pleased, we have put in a lot of hard work and it is wonderful to see that recognised,” she said.

Judges praised the Lord Nelson for using a simple colour scheme to create a cottage garden feel and the use of lighting to prolonge its use.

“The pub is a great asset to Luddenden, both as part of In Bloom and to the community,” they said.

Luddenden In Bloom was praised for village cleanliness, improvements to the playground, planting near the church and chapel and composting.

The judges said: “Luddenden has produced another colourful display in tubs, pots and window boxes throughout the village, and the In Bloom group continues to develop and maintain strong links with local schools and other village organisations.”

The awards continue a modern tradition of In Bloom success for Luddenden, which won the Yorkshire In Bloom large village category in 2004, a silver medal in Britain in Bloom 2005 and a Silver Gilt award in Yorkshire in Bloom 2006.

Luddenden In Bloom coordinator Jason Boom said: “As always the support of the community has been fantastic and everyone has worked hard.

“From members of the In Bloom group, to people making an effort with pots of plants outside their homes, everyone has helped make this another successful year.”

Meanwhile Midgley School pupils were celebrating after their first ever entry earned a Bronze Award in the Sir Richard Graham Youth Enterprise Award.

Head teacher Jan Connolly said she was absolutely delighted and very proud.

“Children, staff, parents and Mr Boom have all worked very hard, often out of school time” she added.

“We are very fortunate to have such beautiful school grounds and a school garden, where the children have grown fruit, vegetables and flowers.”

Judges commended the school’s wide range of plants, recycling ideas and provision of log piles and bird boxes to encourage wildlife.

Another debut entrant, The White Swan Hotel, Hebden Bridge, also impressed the panel - scooping a Silver Gilt Award in the Guest House, Small Hotel and Holiday Cottage category.

“We have made a big effort with the planting and were pleased with the result,” said landlady Elizabeth Wood.

“We try to be a pub the community can be proud of and will be going for gold next year.”

Judges were particularly impressed by the hanging baskets, pots and beds, use of compost and plants grown from donated cuttings and self-saved seeds.